One of the best ways to help ensure you have a safe and positive hospital experience is by partnering with your health care provider. At Baptist, we have designed a program to help educate you about your care and what to expect from us. Through this initiative, we encourage you to take an active role in your health care program. By being involved, you have more control of your health outcomes and recovery. 

  The single biggest thing patients and their families can do to have a positive hospital experience is ask questions. If there's something you don't understand or if you're just curious, don't be embarrassed to ask about it. Your questions can help you while in the hospital, at your physician's office or at home. 

  These tips will help you promote your own safety while in the hospital.

• Get to know the staff who will be caring for you. All health care professionals who come into your room will wear an ID badge that identifies them - check for it. 
• Before your health care providers perform any procedures or give you any medications, ask them to check your armband, as well as identify themselves and explain the reason for their visit. 
• Ask your health care providers if they've washed their hands. Often they do this before entering your room.

  Remember that you, your physician and the hospital staff have the same goal — improving your health and comfort. If for any reason you feel you aren't receiving the best care possible, talk to the nurse in charge or the hospital's patient relations representative. Know your rights. As a patient, you are entitled to safe and quality care, and Baptist is committed to that.